HIGH5 for Healthy Lungs in Jakarta, Indonesia

With air pollution in Jakarta exceeding WHO guidelines by more than 18 times and nearly a quarter of adults smoking, raising awareness of lung health is critical. The Healthy Lungs for Life (HLfL) grant supported Yayasan RPRI to deliver the HIGH5 for Healthy Lungs initiative, a community program marking World Lung Day.

The initiative combined education, preventive health services and interactive activities to inspire healthier lifestyles. Over a month, a smoke-free social media challenge encouraged participants to quit smoking, while on-site activities during Car-Free Day engaged hundreds with free lung function screenings, a lung-friendly exercise session, a creative air-purifying plant workshop and a talkshow on stopping smoking. Medical support came from Universitas Indonesia and 80 volunteers helped deliver the program.

More than 115 people received lung screenings and 100 plant kits were distributed to promote cleaner indoor air. Social media posts extended the programme’s reach, sharing tips and education in Indonesian and English with thousands online. Participants reported gaining new insights into lung health, the dangers of smoking and the importance of clean air and physical activity.

By combining practical health services with engaging community activities, the programme successfully raised awareness, fostered healthier behaviours and strengthened collaboration between medical institutions, volunteers and the public. HIGH5 for Healthy Lungs demonstrates how well-coordinated, locally driven initiatives can make a measurable difference in lung health and empower communities to take action.

A full report is available for those who want to explore the programme in more detail.